The Graphic Designer’s Guide to Huron, SD: A Local’s Perspective

As someone who’s lived in Huron for years and watched its creative economy evolve, I can tell you this isn’t a bustling design hub like Minneapolis or Denver. It’s a practical, affordable place where a graphic designer’s skills are valued—often in unexpected ways. The work is here, but it’s not always where you’d first look. This guide cuts through the noise with hard data and on-the-ground insights to help you decide if Huron is the right fit for your career.

The Salary Picture: Where Huron Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. In Huron, the median salary for a Graphic Designer is $59,407/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $28.56/hour. This figure sits just below the national average of $61,340/year, a typical gap for a smaller metro area in the Midwest. The most important local metric is the number of jobs—Hurton’s metro area has an estimated 28 open positions for graphic designers. While that may seem low, it represents a stable, community-focused market where turnover is often minimal.

The 10-year job growth projection is 3%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it indicates stability. In a town of 14,347, you’re not competing with thousands of other designers. You’re building a reputation within a tight-knit professional circle.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s a more granular look at what you can expect to earn, based on local job postings and industry surveys.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$45,000 - $52,000	Production work, social media graphics, basic print design, assisting senior designers.
Mid-Level	$55,000 - $65,000	Brand development, UI/UX for local businesses, project management, client presentations.
Senior-Level	$65,000 - $75,000	Creative direction, leading design teams, complex multi-platform campaigns, mentoring.
Expert/Lead	$75,000+	In-house leadership at major employers (e.g., Huron Regional Medical Center), consulting, specialized niches like agricultural or event branding.

How Huron Compares to Other SD Cities

Huron offers a different calculus than the state’s larger centers. It’s less about high salaries and more about the cost-of-living advantage.

City	Median Salary (Graphic Designer)	Cost of Living Index	Key Differentiator
Huron	$59,407	89.5	Highest affordability, stable local market.
Sioux Falls	~$62,000	~95.0	More corporate jobs, higher competition, slightly higher pay.
Rapid City	~$58,000	~98.0	Tourism & outdoor industry focus, similar pay but higher housing costs.
Aberdeen	~$56,000	~88.0	Comparable affordability, but a smaller job market than Huron.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the salary. A $59,407 salary in Huron feels like $75,000+ in a coastal city. The math works in your favor here.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

This is where Huron’s value proposition becomes crystal clear. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a mid-level designer earning the median salary of $59,407/year.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Income: $4,950
• Taxes (Est. 25%): -$1,237 (Federal, State, FICA)
• Avg. 1BR Rent: $760/month
• Utilities: $150
• Groceries: $350
• Car (Payment/Ins/Gas): $450
• Health Insurance: $300
• Discretionary/Student Loans: $500

Monthly Take-Home Budget:

• Net Income: ~$3,713
• Total Fixed Expenses: ~$2,010
• Remaining for Savings/Investments: ~$1,703/month

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. The median home price in Huron is approximately $175,000. With the significant monthly savings potential above, a designer could comfortably save for a down payment in 1-2 years. A 20% down payment on a $175,000 home is $35,000. At a savings rate of $1,703/month, that goal is met in under 21 months. This is a stark contrast to markets where homeownership is a distant dream for creatives.

Where the Jobs Are: Huron’s Major Employers

Forget Silicon Valley tech startups. Huron’s design jobs are rooted in institutional, agricultural, and community-focused sectors. Here’s who’s actually hiring:

1. Huron Regional Medical Center (HRMC): The largest employer in the area. Their marketing department needs designers for patient education materials, recruitment campaigns, internal communications, and community health initiatives. It’s stable, benefits-heavy work.
2. Huron School District (Huron Public Schools): From school branding and event flyers to educational materials and website updates, the district is a consistent source of work, often through their in-house communications team or local agencies.
3. Huron Chamber of Commerce & Tourism: Responsible for promoting the city’s events (like the South Dakota State Fair and the Huron Stampede). They need fresh visual content for their website, social media, and promotional materials to attract visitors and new residents.
4. Agricultural Giants (Dakota Growers Pasta Co., etc.): Many local agricultural businesses need packaging design, branding for products, and marketing collateral. Understanding this industry’s aesthetic needs is a major advantage.
5. Local Marketing & PR Agencies: Firms like Mackenzie & Associates or The FARM Agency (a regional player with a local presence) contract with multiple local businesses. These are great for portfolio diversity and networking.
6. Financial Institutions: First National Bank of Brookings (with a Huron presence) and other local banks need design work for community events, financial education materials, and local advertising.
7. The South Dakota State Fairgrounds: A major, seasonal employer. They need a high volume of graphics for signage, programs, vendor materials, and digital promotions in the months leading up to the fair.

Hiring Trend Insight: There’s a growing need for designers who can blend traditional print skills with digital marketing—especially social media and basic web UI. Employers value versatility.

Getting Licensed in SD

There is no state license required to practice graphic design in South Dakota. This is a huge advantage for freelancers and those looking to enter the field without additional bureaucratic hurdles.

However, professional credibility is key. Here’s the practical path:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual arts, or a related field is the standard expectation. Southeast Technical College in nearby Sioux Falls offers excellent, affordable programs. Northern State University in Aberdeen (about an hour north) also has a strong arts program.
• Certifications: While not mandatory, certifications can boost your profile. Consider:
  • Adobe Certified Professional (ACP): In Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign.
  • Google UX Design Certificate: Highly valuable for digital roles.
• Cost & Timeline: A 2-year associate’s degree can cost $10,000-$15,000. A 4-year bachelor’s degree from a state school is roughly $30,000-$40,000 in total. Programs take 2-4 years to complete. You can start building a portfolio and client list immediately without a license.

Best Neighborhoods for Graphic Designers

Huron is compact, and commute times are minimal (most are under 10 minutes). Here’s a neighborhood breakdown:

• Downtown Huron: Your best bet for a walkable, creative lifestyle. You’re close to coffee shops, the library, and the Huron Event Center. Rent for a 1BR apartment averages $800-$950. Ideal for freelancers who want a home office and easy access to networking events.
• East Side / North Beach Area: A classic residential area with older, well-kept homes and larger apartments. It’s quiet, family-friendly, and offers great value. Rent for a 1BR is closer to the city average of $700-$850. A 5-minute drive gets you downtown.
• West Side / Near the Fairgrounds: More suburban, with newer apartment complexes and single-family homes. Excellent for those who want a bit more space and room to grow. Rent is similar to the East Side, $750-$900. Easy access to the interstate and HRMC.
• South Side / Near the Mall Area: This is the commercial hub, with shopping centers and chain restaurants. It’s convenient for errands, but less “neighborhoody.” Rent can be very competitive, with 1BRs available for $700-$800. A car is essential here.

Insider Tip: Drive through these areas at different times of day. The "feel" of a neighborhood in Huron is as important as the rent price. Talk to potential landlords directly; many are local and may offer better deals than what’s advertised online.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 3% job growth rate, advancement in Huron is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about expanding your skillset and reputation.

• Specialty Premiums: Designers who can offer motion graphics (video editing) or basic web development can command rates 10-20% higher than those focused solely on print. Understanding the local agricultural or healthcare sectors is another niche that pays a premium.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from a junior designer at an agency to a mid-level role, then to a senior or lead position within a larger local employer like HRMC or the school district. Many top designers eventually go freelance, leveraging their deep local network to serve multiple clients.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 3% growth means the market will remain stable. The key to growth will be remote work. Many Huron-based designers supplement local income by taking on clients from larger cities via platforms like Upwork or through their existing networks. This hybrid model is the future for creative professionals in markets like this.

The Verdict: Is Huron Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely low cost of living. You can save for a home on a mid-level salary.	Limited job market. Only 28 jobs in the metro. You must be proactive.
Stable, institutional employers offer good benefits and job security.	Niche creative scene. Fewer design events, meetups, or large agencies.
Short commutes and a true sense of community.	Lower salary ceiling compared to national averages.
High quality of life for those who value outdoor access and a slower pace.	Remote work reliance may be necessary for career advancement.
No state licensing barrier to practice.	Requires a specific mindset—self-motivation and networking are critical.

Final Recommendation: Huron is an excellent choice for a graphic designer who is self-starting, values financial stability, and prefers a community-oriented pace over high-pressure urban environments. It’s ideal for freelancers who want a low-overhead home base, mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, or those who want to work in a niche like healthcare or agriculture. If you crave constant industry events and want to be surrounded by thousands of creatives, look elsewhere. But if you want your skills to have a tangible impact on your own community, Huron is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Huron?
Yes, absolutely. While downtown is walkable, most employers (HRMC, the school district, agricultural businesses) are spread out. Public transit is limited. A reliable car is a non-negotiable part of the job.

2. Is the internet speed good enough for remote work?
Generally, yes. Huron has fiber-optic internet through providers like Midco. Most homes and offices have access to speeds of 100 Mbps or higher, which is sufficient for file transfers and video calls. Always confirm with a potential landlord or employer.

3. How do I build a portfolio without local clients?
Start with pro-bono or low-cost work for local non-profits, community groups, or small businesses. Document the process and results. This demonstrates your value to local employers and builds your network. Also, take on remote freelance projects to diversify your portfolio.

4. What’s the best way to network in a small town?
Stop by the Huron Chamber of Commerce events, even as a guest. Join local business Facebook groups and introduce yourself. The key is to show up consistently. In a town this size, your reputation is your resume. Word-of-mouth is the most powerful marketing tool here.

5. Are there any coworking spaces?
While there isn't a dedicated, large-scale coworking space like in major cities, the Huron Public Library offers excellent free Wi-Fi, quiet work areas, and meeting rooms. Many coffee shops, like The Daily Grind, are also popular with freelancers. The local business community is informal and supportive.